What is a ‘Fleet in Being’?

Introduction In naval warfare, a “fleet in being” is a naval force that extends a controlling influence without ever leaving port. Were the fleet to leave port and face the enemy, it might lose in battle and no longer influence the enemy’s actions, but while it remains safely in port, the enemy is forced to… Read More

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What was a Combat Box?

Introduction The combat box was a tactical formation used by heavy (strategic) bombers of the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) during World War II. The combat box was also referred to as a “staggered formation”. Its defensive purpose was in massing the firepower of the bombers’ guns, while offensively it concentrated the release of bombs… Read More

What is Command and Influence?

Introduction Command and influence is a component of Military C2 (‘Command and control‘) and is a key aspect of Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures. Definition Chris Flaherty in 2003 distinguished the concept of command and influence, as a component of Military C2 (‘command and control’), in the following terms: “Influence, is fundamental to effective Command… Read More

What is the Kill Chain?

Introduction The term kill chain is a military concept which identifies the structure of an attack. It consists of: Conversely, the idea of “breaking” an opponent’s kill chain is a method of defence or pre-emptive action. Military F2T2EA One military kill chain model is the “F2T2EA”, which includes the following phases: Phase Outline Find 1.… Read More

What are Interposing Tactics?

Introduction Interposing Tactics is tactical concept, developed under Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, to explain a tactical action where a small-scale action takes place between two combatants, where one manoeuvres into interposition or interjection within a tactical situation, and disrupts the action or activity, of the opponent. Origin In the game of chess, for example,… Read More

What are Mimicking Operations?

Introduction Mimicking operations is a tactical concept, developed under Terrorist Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures, to explain a form of deception, commonly used by terrorists in their attacks. The concept is commonly used in military tactical modelling and scientific simulation; and is connected to the idea of shielding friendly forces (as well as foes) from detection… Read More

What is Mouse-Holing?

Introduction Mouse-holing is a tactic used in urban warfare in which soldiers create access to adjoining rooms or buildings by blasting or tunnelling through a wall. The tactic is used to avoid open streets since advancing infantry, caught in enfilade, are easily targeted by machine-gun and sniper fire. Another purpose is to reach enemy troops… Read More